Photo: Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty Images
On Sunday, the producers of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club announced that Billy Porter is withdrawing from the production early due to a “serious case of sepsis.” Sepsis, a life-threatening condition that develops when the immune system attacks the body’s own organs and tissues in an attempt to fight off an infection, can cause organ failure and death if untreated. According to the statement from Cabaret, Porter’s “doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule.”
Porter has been performing the role of Emcee alongside Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles since July 22, when they took over the roles from Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada. Before joining the New York production, Porter and Wallace starred in the Olivier-winning West End version of the show. They were originally slated to close out the New York run on October 19. Now, the run will end early on September 21, with actors Marty Lauter and David Merino filling in for the role of Emcee.
The Cut has reached out to Porter’s reps for comment and will update if we hear back.
